Town midfielder Ian Westlake faces a double challenge from Ipswich based Olympic swimmer Karen Pickering over the next few weeks. Westlake, a former England schools waterpolo player, is set to take on Pickering both in the pool and on the football pitch.

First up the pair clash at Crown Pools in a 50-metre race held during a break in an event being held at the Town centre leisure facility on October 31st. Westlake is a strong swimmer and the event is not Pickering's most favoured, so the footballer may well give her a close race.

Then it's to the football field and a penalty shoot-out at half-time during the Blues' home game with Sheffield United on November 2nd. They will each take three spotkicks against Academy keeper Shane Supple.

Former Town midfielder Simon Milton has been coaching Pickering in the art of the penalty kick and will also appear with her in the club's latest An Evening With... event at Portman Road on November 4th.

Photo: Action Images

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